Packing For Spring/Summer Vacation: 2016 Edition
- Blog Post
As soon as the sun shines, whether you live in an urban city, suburb or the countryside, holidays spring to mind. So step away from your desks, laptops and IPhones and think holidays.
If you’re anything like us, the thought of the holiday season will keep you going for the next couple of months. Or if you’re lucky and a Spring vacation is on the cards then make sure you get the best picks early, its time to start preparing!
Swimwear
Don’t leave it too late to buy your swimwear. Shopping early means you get the biggest choice in the best shapes. If you’re jetting off somewhere hot, with wide blue oceans that go on for days, then you’re probably planning to take a dip in the sea whilst you can escape the British weather! If you have problem areas which make you feel self-conscious or are struggling to lose those last few pounds from Christmas, there are swimwear solutions especially made to help boost your confidence and make you feel fabulous. We wrote an entire article on the best swim swear solutions for your body shape, check it out! If you have a fuller figure then M&S and Next have great options. If you have a liking for the skimpier styles then check out Heidi Kline or Victoria Secret.
We love:
M&S
Next
Victoria’s Secret
Sunglasses
Don’t forget the importance of sunglasses in the sunshine as well as being a glamorous way to protect you from the suns rays. As well as great style your sunglasses must have a high UVA. Mallon & Taub have an amazing selection http://www.mallonandtaub.com/shop.html
As far as frames go try lots on before you make your decision to ensure they suit your face shape and invididual style.
Chanel Fantasy Pearl Sunglasses – £405
CORA Sunglasses at TopShop – £22.00
Carvela Sunglasses at House of Fraser – £60.00
Sunglasses are a staple accessory in the summer and can dramatically change your look by how they frame your face. For men, these rectangle sunglasses by BOSS Orange (£105.00) are perfect for summer 2016 with the vibrant blue against the leopard print frames.
For women, dare to be bold with these feline sunglasses by Retrosuperfuture (£213.10)
Hats
Hats are one of summer’s biggest accessories and are the safest way to shield yourself from the scorching temperatures. If your hair is fine you’ll be amazed how quickly the sun can burn your scalp. However as well as being a safety precaution, hat can also help bring your outfit together and add the perfect vibe to your summer outfits. This grey fedora from Topshop (£25.00) adds a touch of style to your outfit without clashing with other statement colours.
Looking for something more colourful? Why not try this block coloured sun hat from Eugenia Kim (£300.00) for something with more of a wow-factor!
Jewellery
Show off your tan with some gold jewellery and elegant focus pieces. Cuff bracelets are hot for spring 2016 and can add the perfect edge to any outfit. This set of 3 cuff bracelets from Accessorize (£19.00) would be perfect for a day at the beach…just watch out for tan lines!
Not a big jewellery fan? Celebrities have been spotted wearing ear cuffs at many big events in the run up to summer; why not jump on the trend. These limited edition ear cuffs from River Island (£12.00) are the perfect accessory for girls who don’t like to accessorise too much!
Travel Essentials
Travel Fan
Travelling can make you hot and bothered, which is not how you want to start your holiday! Stay cool and fresh with a simple hand held fan. This fan from Go Travel (£7.99) runs on 1 x AAA battery and the blades retract for convenient and compact storage.
If electric fans aren’t your thing, why not try a Japanese hand fan in a style to match your personal style. This folding hand fan from Etsy (£10.13) would be perfect for a night out abroad on a warm evening.
Entertainment
If you don’t have the luxury of on-flight entertainment, your journey will feel even longer and you will have lot precious time you could have utilised making a start on that book you desperately have wanted to read but never had the time! If you’re a tech-lover then of course, don’t forget your chargers and beloved tablet…if you’re a lover of hardcovers and literature ‘Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon’ would be a great read to help you delve further into your love of fashion. Not much of a reader? Get yourself an ever more popular adult colouring book to unwind and pass the time, this Parisian Street Style will help unleash your creativity as well as keep you entertained for hours.
Footwear
Comfort
If you want to take your summer footwear one step further and ditch the flip flops, many summer shoes are designed with comfort in mind for those long evening walks and strolls across the beach. If you’re going on an adventure holiday where you are going to be hiking and on your feet, it’s important to protect your feet from the elements and ensure your foot is properly supported. These Sketchers (£59.00) have a memory foam insole and mesh panels for ventilation which are ideal for long walks in high temperatures. Just to be safe, if you haven’t worn in your shoes before your holiday make sure you have some heel protectors on you at all times to prevent any blisters!
Versatile Style
If your type of holiday is lounging around the pool and taking casual strolls exploring the scenery, you might want to opt for a more casual and stylish choice of footwear. Small block heels are the most comfortable and versatile shoe that can be paired with almost any outfit. These Kupid shoes from Kurt Geiger (£110.00) are season-ready and can be easily paired with whatever outfit you are feeling that day!
Style Staples
Playsuits
Jumpsuits are the easiest style hack when it comes to creating a gorgeous outfit in the least number of garments. Jumpsuits are commonly light weight and cinched in at the middle to emphasize your individual
body shape. This lace jumpsuit from Zara (£35.99) is perfect for summer days and trips abroad and can be easier paired with flats or heels.
For something more colourful and quirky, how about this pastille pink denim playsuit from ASOS (£38.00)
Dungarees
For a more casual vibe on a slightly cooler day, dungarees and a floaty top are well on trend for summer 2016. Whether you go for classic denim or block colours such as khaki or black, dungarees are an effortless outfit perfect for days out exploring. These dungarees from Fat Face (£50.00) are classic denim with deep pockets perfect for your camera and edgy rips on the knees.
If you’re eager to get on the khaki trend, a colour that will compliment your tan and easily match any of your black, brown or tan shoes, these dungarees from Only are slim leg and easy to wear with a tank top or beautiful blouse.
Dresses
Dare to be bold with vibrant colours, it is summer after all! Summer is the perfect time for skater dresses, form fitting or maxi. This daring dress from D2Squared (£495.00) has a classic square neckline with splashes of blue that are just begging to be accessorised!
For something more casual and classic, there are some stunning maxi dresses out for summer 2016 that are beach chic and ready to be worn. Such as, this maxi dress from Next (£40.00) which screams summer!
Tops
A stylish top can be paired with anything, whether it be a skirt, dungarees or tailored trousers. With khaki and fringing being hot for spring and summer, we’ve found our favourite tops in the latest trends for you to pack in your suitcase. This khaki bobble detailed vest from Oasis (£26.00) is easy to style by tucking it into a short or layering it with white jeans and flats.
For a more 70’s glam vibe, this fringed sleeveless jumper from Missguided (£22.00) is great to match with denim short or slim leg jeans.
Skirts
Whether you are wearing a skirt over a bikini or tucking in a statement top, skirts are an easy mix and match staple that you should definitely ensure makes an appearance in your suitcase for summer 2016. Why not go for a maxi, like this exotic print skirt from Monsoon (£59.00).
Or something a little shorter…like this midi skirt from Very (£35.00)
Or a preppy skirt like this embroidered mini skirt at Zara (£39.99)
Cover ups
Whilst you may be hoping for hot weather for the entirety of your trip, sometimes the weather may take a turn for the chilly and you have nothing to wear but a camisole and flip flops! Don’t get caught off guard, be prepared and have a warmer alternative that you can fall back on during cooler evenings or patches of bad weather. Consider something like a long kimono which can be worn on breezy days to shield you from the cool temperatures. This kimono from Boohoo (£16.00) would be ideal and can be tied up at the front to ensure it keeps you warm.
If kimonos aren’t your style, try a summer scarf instead for a more stylish way of keeping warm in falling temperatures. This kaleidoscopic print scarf from Accessorize (£12.00) would be a perfect addition to your evening wear.
Are you going anywhere nice this summer? Tell us where you’re going on Twitter using @Coathangernet and let us know what your holiday essentials are!
